Spengler Crowned Swiss U23 Road Race Champion

BMC Development Team's Lukas Spengler was crowned Swiss National U23 Road Race Champion after a day in the breakaway and a huge solo effort over the final 15km of the race.

Lukas Spengler part of the day's early breakaway of six riders which extended a lead of 3 minutes 40 seconds after only the third of fourteen 12.4km laps.

By the halfway point the lead of the breakaway had extended to beyond five minutes with the rest of the squad were working hard in the peloton behind them.

With 15km to go Spengler found himself riding solo at the front of the race and despite several chasers behind him, he crossed the line to take victory with 2 minutes 30 seconds to spare.

Kilian Frankiny and Patrick Müller were part of the chase behind him and eventually crossed the line in fourth and fifth place respectively.

Winner's Interview with Lukas Spengler

Congratulations, Lukas. Can you describe how you are feeling right now?

"I feel amazing. I have always been close to or on the podium but I never been Swiss Champion so it will be really great to wear this jersey for the rest of the season."

"I was in the first breakaway of the day after only 8km and I knew I had good legs and I felt really good. I was a bit worried that we had gone to early to make it all the way but I knew I was stronger than the other guys in the breakaway if we went to the line."

When you were riding solo at the end, did you know you would be able to make it to the line?

"I knew that there were riders chasing hard to try and bridge across to me but I knew I had a good advantage. I didn't relax though, I was riding right to the last kilometer and then I sat up to enjoy the final few hundred meters. That's when I could really start to think about winning. I was riding out in front for over 150km but when I went solo I just dug deep and gave it everything and I am really happy to come away with the win."

And looking ahead to the rest of the season?

"Up next for me is the European Championships. I am racing both the Time Trial and the Road Race so winning here today has definitely given me a lot of confidence going into them. I rode well at Tour de l'Avenir also so I know I am in good shape and I am definitely looking forward to it. The courses aren't best suited to me so I am not sure what I will be able to do but I will definitely give it everything."